North Sea Haddock Achieves Eco-Award

UK - The conservation efforts of Scottish fishermen were rewarded today (Friday 29 October) with the eco-certification of a major fishery.

North Sea haddock is the first Scottish whitefish to receive the prestigious Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. This global standard for sustainable fishing and seafood traceability aims to increase the availability of certified sustainable seafood. The distinctive blue ecolabel also makes it easy for shoppers to know what they are buying.

Mireille Thom, Marine Policy Officer at WWF Scotland said: "This is a positive and timely development that offers a great incentive to the Scottish whitefish fleet in its efforts to catch less and make more of its fisheries. There is no doubt that the innovative conservation and governance measures set up in recent years, in particular under the Scottish Conservation Credits Scheme, are central to the progress being made. Scotland must continue to show leadership to ensure all fish stocks currently overfished enjoy similar success."

WWF Scotland is campaigning to see 100 per cent of Scottish fisheries certified sustainable.

Ms Thom, added: "As we approach the Holyrood elections, we urge all political parties to include a manifesto commitment to offer support to help all Scottish fisheries achieve Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. Sustainable fisheries help secure jobs and help to protect the wider marine environment."